How does Goodwill determine prices for its products?

Like any retailer, our goal is to provide a good value that make shoppers want to visit our stores. Each Goodwill location has a team that evaluates the donations received and sets competitive prices based on fair market value. Nearly 90 cents of every shopping dollar we receive help fund educational programs and services that assist people in finding better jobs and building careers. Only about 10 percent of our budget goes to administrative and operational costs.

What is the purpose for the Goodwill Clearance Outlet?

Items that do not sell in a typical Goodwill Retail Store are then sent to our Clearance Outlet, many times for a discounted price. Instead of clothing racks or shelves, you are more likely to find tables with categories of merchandise for easy sorting. Click here to locate the Clearance Outlet.

I am a bulk buyer or recycler. How do I purchase items in bulk quantities?

Goodwill of San Antonio welcomes buyers who purchase large quantities of products for the purpose of reselling or recycling them. Many times, these buyers can be seen at our Retail Stores and Clearance Outlet. At our Distribution Center, approved bulk buyers can purchase large volumes of merchandise in bulk. Pricing is typically determined by the weight of the items and fair market value. Contact us here for more details.

How does Goodwill use the revenue from the sales of goods to promote its Mission?

Goodwill relies on the sales from Retail Stores to fund our Mission: to help change lives through the power of work. Revenue from the sales of goods provides both transitional and long-term jobs as well as volunteer opportunities for those who need community service hours. Proceeds also fund our Good Careers Centers which provide free job placement services. The single largest revenue source is still the retail sales of donated goods.

Why doesn’t Goodwill give the donations to shoppers since they were donated?

As soon as an item is donated to Goodwill, the agency incurs a cost. From the attendant who accepts the donation, to the sorting, processing and transportation of the item, there are costs associated with each donation.

Goodwill’s founder, the Rev. Edgar J. Helms, believed in offering people a hand up, not a hand out. Helms took burlap bags and went to wealthy citizens asking for whatever clothing they could spare. The Goodwill store was born when Helms hired people in need, many whom were considered unemployable, to repair damaged items and sell the donated goods. Helms felt there was more dignity and independence by providing them with the means to earn a paycheck and support their families.

Does Goodwill have a Return/Exchange Policy?

I’d like to comment on my recent shopping experience. Who may I contact?

You can always provide feedback by completing any of our combined Retail & Donation Surveys located at all Goodwill Stores & Donation Stations.

Hire FAQs

How can I apply for a job at Goodwill?

Visit any of our community Good Careers Centers. There, you can apply for a job with us or with other employers in the community. People with disabilities and barriers to employment are always encouraged to apply with Goodwill. Click here to find the Center closest to you.

Donation FAQs

What does Goodwill accept/not accept as a donation?

Does Goodwill repair or wash donated clothing?

Goodwill Industries of San Antonio does not repair broken items or wash donated clothing.

Should I clean/wash my donations before dropping them off?

Goodwill recommends that all donations are in clean and gently-used condition.

Does Goodwill offer pickup service for donations?

Yes, Goodwill offers pickups of home or business donations. It is ideal for large donations of gently used furniture, electronics and other donations. We offer free home pickup service in the following communities:

How do I assess a value for each item I donated?

Goodwill has a suggested valuation guide for each item you donate. Please refer to it when you assign a value to your donations. Based on IRS regulations, it’s up to donors to document and assess the value of all donations to Goodwill.

I lost my donation receipt. Will Goodwill send another as a replacement?

Unfortunately, Goodwill does not maintain records of individual donations and will be unable to replace a lost receipt. Please save your receipts with your current year tax records to ensure you will be able to claim your donation as a deduction.

Does Goodwill provide free goods or monetary donations to other organizations/causes?

Goodwill changes the lives of some 50,000 people annually in the San Antonio, Laredo, New Braunfels and Seguin communities. Through donations and shopping in Goodwill stores, our educational programs and services that assist people in finding better jobs and build careers are funded. Due to the strong need for these services, we are unable to make any cash and/or gift in kind donations to other organizations.

I’d like to comment on my recent donation experience. Who may I contact?

You can always provide feedback by completing any of our combined Retail & Donation Surveys located at all Goodwill Stores & Donation Stations.

Service FAQs

Are Goodwill’s career-search services free?

Yes, anyone can visit a Good Career Center free of charge and utilize any of the available resources. Click here to find the closest Center to you.